Probe attack on Indian diplomat: BJP to China

New Delhi: The BJP on Tuesday condemned the
treatment meted out to Indian diplomat S Balachandran in China
and demanded that authorities there conduct a thorough inquiry
into the incident and ensure that it is not repeated as several Indian businessmen visit the neighbouring country.
"The Chinese Government must conduct a detailed enquiry
into the deplorable incident and take appropriate action
against those responsible for ensuring that the Indian
diplomat was provided adequate security and other facilities
while he was on duty," BJP spokesperson Tarun Vijay said.

He pointed out that though it was known that Balachandran
is diabetic, he was not provided any food for six hours.
Moreover, he was reportedly heckled while he was leaving.

"A lot of Chinese goods come to India and our traders
go there often. They are provided documents only in Chinese
without any interpreters, and not given appropriate legal
assistance or food. In some instances family members were also
reportedly harassed," Vijay alleged, demanding that such
grievances be addressed.

He said 30 Indians are in Chinese jails and government
should make efforts to free them.
"Such incidents do not contribute to the stated Chinese
intention to strengthen bilateral ties particularly
people-to-people ties and are completely contrary to the
declared desire for friendship," Vijay said.

The BJP also demanded that India should increase its
consulates in China from three to ten, insisting that even
smaller countries like Indonesia and Malaysia have eight and
six missions respectively.